Switching accountants in Melbourne
Switching accountants is easier than you think.
Worried it'll be a hassle? It won't. Four steps, and I do three of them. Whether you're moving from a Melbourne CBD firm, a suburban practice or an accountant who's simply stopped calling you back, I handle the whole handover from contacting them to collecting your files.
Sound familiar?
Most people who move to me were not unhappy exactly, they just knew they could do better.
- You only hear from your accountant when your tax is due
- You've been surprised by a tax bill, or a fee, you didn't see coming
- You email a question and wait days for an answer
- You get compliance, but never advice on how to actually grow
How the switch works
Four steps. I do three of them. The one that's yours takes about ten minutes, and I'll walk you through it.
Have a free chat
A no-pressure 30 minutes to make sure we're the right fit. You'll leave with a fixed fee either way.
I contact your old accountant
I send the professional clearance letter and request your prior returns, financials and schedules. You never have to make the awkward call.
You nominate me at the ATO
This is the one step I'm not allowed to do for you. It's about ten minutes in ATO Online Services, and I'll send you the exact screens to click. Sole traders can usually skip it entirely.
You're set up
I check every lodgement is up to date, confirm your fixed fee in writing, and you're away.
Changing accountants is about as complicated as changing your GP. There's no charge from me for the handover, and you can switch at any time of year, there's no need to wait until 30 June.
Common questions about switching
No. Once you give me the go-ahead, I contact your previous accountant and handle the entire handover of your files. You don't have to have an awkward conversation or chase anyone.
Yes, you can switch at any time of year. There's no need to wait until 30 June. I pick up wherever your records are up to and make sure nothing is missed in the transition.
Professional accountants are used to clients moving on and are generally required to cooperate with the handover. I manage that communication for you, so it stays professional and simple.
One thing. Since November 2023 the ATO requires you to nominate your own tax agent, and I'm not permitted to do that step for you. It takes about ten minutes in ATO Online Services for Business, and I'll send you the exact screens. Sole traders are generally exempt and don't need to do it at all. Everything else, the clearance letter, collecting your files, checking your lodgements, is mine.
Nothing from me. Your previous accountant shouldn't charge to hand over your records either, though they can hold the clearance letter until any outstanding invoices are paid, so it's worth settling those first.
No. Your lodgement history sits with the ATO, not with your accountant, and it stays available regardless of who represents you. Your prior returns and financials come across as part of the handover.
- On time, every time. Every lodgement in on time, provided your records reach me by the date on your calendar.
- The price you agreed, and no other. Your fee is agreed in writing before any work starts, and it doesn't go up for 12 months.
- Never locked in. No fixed term. If it isn't working, end it with 30 days' notice and I'll hand your file to your next accountant promptly.
These promises are in addition to your rights under the Australian Consumer Law.
Ready to stop worrying about your tax and bookkeeping?
In a free 30-minute strategy session, I'll personally review your situation and we'll map out a clear plan together. If it feels like a good fit, I'll send you a straightforward, fixed-fee proposal. No pressure, no surprises.
Book Your Free Strategy Session